This week’s NSN Newsbytes on the skilling and workforce development landscape reflect India’s continued momentum in building a future-ready talent ecosystem. From international recognition at the Taipei Capital Cup 2026 and global collaborations through the India Skills Accelerator to major policy initiatives under PM-SETU, the focus remains firmly on enhancing employability, innovation and industry-aligned training.
States are accelerating reforms in vocational education through ITI modernisation and industry partnerships, while leading corporates and foundations are expanding skill development, apprenticeship and livelihood opportunities across the country. Significant developments in entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, women’s empowerment and emerging technology training further highlight the growing convergence of government, industry and civil society efforts to create a skilled, inclusive and globally competitive workforce.
AM/NS India and NAMTECH Pioneer First PM-SETU ITI Transformation Project
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), in partnership with the New Age Makers Institute of Technology (NAMTECH), has secured the first-ever Strategic Investment Plan approval under the Government of India’s PM-SETU scheme. The approved proposal for the Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster makes Andhra Pradesh the first state to operationalise an industry-led partnership under the programme.
The milestone marks a significant step towards transforming government ITIs into industry-managed, outcome-oriented institutions aligned with evolving workforce needs. As part of the ₹60,000 crore PM-SETU initiative, the project aims to modernise training infrastructure, strengthen industry engagement and enhance employability, setting a benchmark for vocational education reform across India. Click here to read more!
Here we go with this week’s edition of our weekly newsbytes –
India – Australia Toolkit to Strengthen Applied Learning in Secondary Schools
A new Toolkit developed by the Australia India Institute and partner institutions will help Indian secondary schools integrate applied learning into mainstream education. Aligned with NEP 2020, it offers practical resources for curriculum design, pedagogy, assessment, and industry partnerships, thereby strengthening India-Australia education collaboration. Download the Toolkit here!
Apprenticeship Updates
- The Indian Navy opened applications for the Agniveer (Apprentice) 2026 batches, offering diploma holders a pathway to technical training, skill development and naval careers. Click here to Apply!
- Northern Coalfields Limited announced 1,607 apprenticeship opportunities across engineering, ITI and paramedical disciplines, offering industry training and skill development for youth. Click here to Apply!
Highlights from this week’s Newsbytes
- India clinched two Silver Medals and three Merit Awards at the Taipei Capital Cup 2026, showcasing world-class skills and strengthening its global skilling reputation.
- India hosted the 2nd BRICS SME Working Group Meeting, advancing collaboration on technology access, innovation and skill development for MSMEs under BRICS Chairship 2026.
- Jammu & Kashmir and Switzerland partnered to advance sustainable tourism and vocational training, aiming to boost skills, environmental resilience and long-term economic growth.
- Global leaders, industry executives and policymakers convened under the India Skills Accelerator to address skill gaps, strengthen workforce readiness and position India as a global talent hub.
National skill development updates
- MSDE launched ‘Navachar Mantra’, a national initiative to boost grassroots entrepreneurship and innovation, in partnership with NIESBUD and IIT Delhi’s FITT.
- MSDE and the World Economic Forum convened the India Skills Accelerator roundtable to address skills gaps and strengthen workforce readiness in emerging sectors.
- NCVET approved a dedicated research division as MSDE highlighted reforms integrating skilling with education, industry needs and future technologies through KaushalVerse.
- MSDE convened industry leaders in Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi hub to advance PM-SETU implementation, strengthening industry-aligned skilling and employment opportunities for local youth.
- DPIIT and BHASHINI partnered to provide startup, innovation and government services in 22 Indian languages, enhancing accessibility for entrepreneurs, students and researchers nationwide.
State initiatives driving skilling and innovation
- Haryana plans a major ITI overhaul with modern infrastructure, industry-aligned training, enhanced apprenticeships and stronger industry partnerships to meet evolving workforce demands.
- Jharkhand will develop a model ITI in every district, upgrade existing institutes and introduce industry-aligned, high-demand courses to meet future workforce needs.
- Gujarat will introduce NIFT-designed uniforms for ITI students, modernising vocational education and strengthening the identity, pride and visibility of skilled youth.
- Uttarakhand announced expansion of ITI Centres of Excellence, new industry-led training programmes and additional instructors to strengthen skill development and improve youth employability.
Industry partnerships and workforce readiness
- Hyundai Motor India partnered with the Tamil Nadu government to establish the state as its flagship EV hub and boost youth employability through skill development.
CSR initiatives in skills and livelihoods
- Dalmia Bharat Foundation partnered with Vision India Services to expand employment opportunities for youth trained under DIKSHa and to strengthen industry linkages across 35 skill centres nationwide.
- M3M Foundation celebrated more than 1,000 youth graduates at its Kaushal Sambal convocation in Panipat, highlighting achievements in vocational training, entrepreneurship, and livelihood development.
- Toyota Kirloskar Motor partnered with the Gujarat government to enhance education, skills training and healthcare, benefiting over 9.67 lakh people across the state.
- Kamdhenu Jeevandhara Foundation launched skill development courses in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, offering computer and stitching training to empower underprivileged communities and enhance employability.
- PepsiCo India partnered with Haryana State Rural Livelihoods Mission (HSRLM) and Indus Action to support 1.1 lakh women under Lakhpati Didi Yojana through skilling, finance and livelihood opportunities.
- Carrier India launched a Centre of Excellence at ITI Kubernagar, Ahmedabad, to enhance HVAC skill development through industry-aligned training and practical exposure.
- Samsung honoured 30 top performers from 10 states under its Innovation Campus programme, recognising excellence in AI, IoT, Big Data and Coding among 20,000 trainees.
To know more, check out the latest updates on CSR and ESG initiatives that are creating a meaningful impact in skill development and education here: https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/csr-and-esg-in-skill-education/
*IMPORTANT:
The Weekly Newsbytes on skills and education from NSN are curated and adapted from various sources with the sole objective of keeping our readers updated about the evolving skills industry in India.
We compile and adapt these new snippets from various sources. If any source has objections or other concerns, please write to us at contact@nationalskillsnetwork.in, providing valid reasons, and we will remove the link to your content.
